Wayne County supervisors split over shared-services mandate

In a county that pays some of the highest property taxes in the nation relative to home value and household income, Butler Town Supervisor Dave Spickerman sees plenty of opportunity for sharing and consolidation among the county’s governments and school districts in an effort to save money.

But other Wayne County supervisors see Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s shared services plan requirement — approved as part of the 2017-18 state budget — as another mandate jammed down the throats of localities.

County Administrator Rick House told supervisors after their regular meeting Tuesday morning that the county is under orders to create a shared services panel that must include the mayor of every village within the county and the supervisor of every town. School superintendents are expected to take part as well.